A handbook for the study of mental health : social contexts, theories, and systems

This book provides a comprehensive review of the sociology of mental health, organised into three major parts which present an overview of theoretical, social and institutional frameworks. Part I discusses theoretical approaches to mental health and illness from various fields such as psychology, sociology, and biology. Part II investigates effects of social context on mental health and illness, considering class, gender, race and age, and the critical role played by stress, marriage, work and social support. Part III focuses on mental health systems and policy, discussing topics such as mental health and the criminal justice system; service delivery for persons with severe mental illness; consequences of managed care; labelling and stigma.